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Constantia

Cape Town’s own historic wine valley, just minutes from the city

7 Featured Estates 3 Available Tours

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Why Visit Constantia?

Constantia proves you needn’t travel far for a world-class wine experience. Just 25 to 40 minutes from the city, it is the oldest uninterrupted wine-growing region in the Southern Hemisphere, anchored by Groot Constantia, South Africa’s first wine farm, founded in 1685.

Cool False Bay breezes shape crisp Sauvignon Blanc here, and the valley is home to the country’s first varietal-specific wine route, the Sauvignon Blanc Route. Don’t miss Klein Constantia, home of Vin de Constance – the sweet wine Napoleon had shipped to him in exile on St Helena – or the hilltop views from Beau Constantia at Constantia Nek. It’s the perfect half-day outing.

  • The oldest uninterrupted wine-growing region in the Southern Hemisphere
  • About 20 minutes from central Cape Town – ideal for a half-day outing
  • Groot Constantia, founded in 1685, South Africa’s first wine farm
  • South Africa’s first varietal-specific wine route – the Sauvignon Blanc Route
  • Vin de Constance, the historic sweet wine Napoleon had shipped to him in exile on St Helena

Wine Specialties & Terroir

Barely 20 minutes from the city centre, Constantia is where South African wine began. Groot Constantia was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1685, making this the oldest continuously farmed wine region in the Southern Hemisphere. Vines climb the slopes of the Constantiaberg, cooled by False Bay breezes – perfect for crisp Sauvignon Blanc and the legendary sweet Vin de Constance once prized by European nobility.

Signature Varietals

  • Sauvignon Blanc; Muscat de Frontignan (for Vin de Constance)

Also Known For

  • Vin de Constance; Cape Dutch heritage homesteads; views over False Bay

Climate

Around 1,000 mm of rain a year means the vines need no irrigation; mean February temperatures sit around 20.6°C, with cooling breezes off False Bay.

Soil & Altitude

Table Mountain sandstone over granite, with loamy soils on the east-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg.

Did You Know?

  • Constantia’s famous sweet wine, made mostly from Muscat de Frontignan, was a favourite of European nobility – Napoleon had it shipped to St Helena. Klein Constantia revived the style as Vin de Constance in the 1980s.

Available Wine Tours

Explore Constantia through our curated wine tour experiences.

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Private Cape of Good Hope & Constantia Wine Tour

Constantia

8 hours Private (up to 7 guests)

Penguins at Boulders, the Cape of Good Hope and Chapman's Peak, then afternoon tastings at Klein Constantia or Steenberg with a specialist…

  • Boulders Beach penguins
  • Cape of Good Hope
  • Chapman's Peak Drive
FromR4,495pp
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Constantia Wine Walk & Storytelling Tour with Lunch

Constantia

About 5 hours Group walking tour

Constantia wine walk: about five hours on foot through Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting, with ten wines and a platter lunch.

  • Walk between Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting
  • Private vineyard trails not open to the public
  • Ten wines, including Vin de Constance
FromR3,235pp
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Featured Wine Estates

Some of the estates that make Constantia special.

Constantia

Buitenverwachting

Sauvignon Blanc and classic Constantia charm

Restaurant on site

Constantia

Constantia Glen

Cool-climate wines and relaxed lunches

Restaurant on site

Family friendly

Constantia

Constantia Uitsig

Historic estate with restaurants and a Heritage Market

Restaurant on site

Map of all Constantia estates

Constantia on the Map

Constantia: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Constantia wine tour from Cape Town?

Yes. We list 3 wine tours that visit Constantia, including Constantia Classic: Private Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch, Private Cape of Good Hope & Constantia Wine Tour and Constantia Wine Walk & Storytelling Tour with Lunch. Open a tour for the duration, pickup details and live availability.

What wines is Constantia known for?

Constantia is known for Sauvignon Blanc; Muscat de Frontignan (for Vin de Constance).

Which wine estates can I visit in Constantia?

Estates in Constantia include Beau Constantia, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Steenberg, Buitenverwachting and Constantia Glen.

How far is Constantia from Cape Town?

c. 19 km by road (c. 20 km south of the CBD)

What is the climate like in Constantia?

Around 1,000 mm of rain a year means the vines need no irrigation; mean February temperatures sit around 20.6°C, with cooling breezes off False Bay.

Ready to Explore Constantia?

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